The castle of Fléville is located in the town of Fléville-devant-Nancy, in the department of Meurthe-et-Moselle, a few kilometers south-east of Nancy.
Located to the west of the town, then owned by the Lutzelbourgs, it was built in 1533 by the architect Michel de la Chausse on the foundations of a feudal castle of which only the 30-metre high keep has been preserved (it dates from 1320).
The facade of the three-storey high castle, one of which is under the attic is characteristic of the First Renaissance, a balcony running along the whole of the dwelling and its wings at right angles. One ends with the dungeon. The castle forms a main courtyard open since the 18th century on its access which is via a bridge built over the old moats. This courtyard was adorned with decorative elements in the rockery style.
The architecture of the site is reminiscent of Azay-le-Rideau and overall a real Italian influence can be discerned there.
Inside, the States General of Lorraine room (former knights' room), woodwork from the 16th century, lounges with period decor, the chapel and Stanislas' bedroom (in the apartment dedicated to the Duke of Lorraine).
On the exterior level, there are French gardens (with factories and orangery) designed in the 18th century by the landscape architect Louis-Ferdinand de Nesle dit Gervais (1703-1756) and a romantic garden laid out in the middle of the 19th century by the Comte de Choulot. In this park, an exceptional 17th century trompe-l'oeil decor has been restored.
The perfectly maintained château is protected as a historic monument and the twenty-hectare park has the Remarkable Garden label.
The complex - one of the few in Lorraine to have been spared after the wars of the 17th century - remains a private property belonging to the same family since the 19th century.
Open to the public (indoors and outdoors) for free or guided tours in May and June on weekends and public holidays, Tuesday to Sunday in July and August, and weekends in September and October. Price: from 6 to 9.50 euros. Information on +33 3 83 25 64 71.
